It’s more than enough to start their very own team.

A dozen former NSW public school students will feature in a Matildas squad eyeing off Asian Cup glory at Stadium Australia on Saturday night when they take on Japan in the tournament final.

Female football has been a shining light as the state’s public school system expands its commitment to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs.

Westfields Sports High School leads the way with five squad representatives: Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Jamilla Rankin.

It would have been six, save for the unfortunate pre-tournament injury to goalkeeper Jada Whyman.

Known as the ‘Football Factory’ for its incredible rollcall of soccer greats – including former Socceroo stars Harry Kewell and Aaron Mooy, the school in Fairfield West continues to be a production line for the round ball game.

Westfields Sports High School Director of Football Kory Babington said the school offered outstanding opportunities for players and staff alike.

“We have a supportive senior executive and continuity with staff,” he said.

“There are a lot of role models. And with three students playing in the A-League Women this year, sometimes students only need to look across the classroom to see them.”

Kennedy, who went to Westfields after attending Rosemeadow Public School, is in line for the Golden Boot award in the tournament as current equal-top goal scorer while Caitlin Foord (Illawarra Sports High School) and Mary Fowler (Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts) lead the way in assists.

With their structured programs and balance between sporting pursuits and academia, NSW Sports High Schools often nurture many of Australia’s top athletes.

But it’s clear there are pathways to the top of the sporting ladder in our comprehensive schools too.

Defender Clare Hunt, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in England, went to Henry Lawson High School in the state’s Central West, Michelle Heyman was a student at Warilla High School and the well-travelled Emily van Egmond went to Warners Bay High School and Whitebridge High School.

During the tournament van Egmond became the most-capped Matildas player of all time when she took the field in the semi-final against China for her 170th match.

It was another proud moment for mum Annette van Egmond, principal at Glendore Public School.

“We are incredibly proud of her; she has an absolute love of the game and an incredible work ethic,” Annette said.

“I’ll give a shout out to Whitebridge High School for her journey too. They were incredibly supportive and made adjustments for her to pursue her sport.”

NSW Public School Matildas

Ellie Carpenter (Cowra Public School, Mulyan Public School, Westfields Sports High School)

Clare Hunt (Henry Lawson High School)

Alanna Kennedy (Rosemeadow Public School, Westfields Sports High School)

Courtney Nevin (Oakville Public School, Westfields Sports High School)

Jamilla Rankin (Rosebank Public School, Westfields Sports High School)

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Westfields Sports High School)

Clare Wheeler (Newcastle High School, Hunter Sports High School)

Emily van Egmond (Whitebridge High School, Warners Bay High School)

Caitlin Foord (Lake Illawarra South Public School, Illawarra Sports High School)

Mary Fowler (Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts)

Michelle Heyman (Warilla Public School, Warilla High School)

Kahli Johnson (Wheeler Heights Public School)